Forced-air warming devices are inflatable blankets used in more than 80% of U.S. hospitals to keep patients warm during surgical procedures. However, recent studies show that the device may spread bacteria from open surgical wounds, potentially increasing the risk for severe infection.

If you or someone you love suffered a severe, unexplained infection after joint replacement surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm has years of experience helping patients harmed by defective medical devices, and we’re ready to help you too.

Risk of Surgical Infection From Forced-Air Warming Blankets

During an interview with The New York Times, the original inventor of the forced-air warming blankets urged hospitals to stop using the device for certain types of surgical procedures due to the increased risk of severe infection.

Months later, a study published in The Bone and Joint Journal reported that forced-air warming devices may increase the risk of deep joint infection by 380%.

Despite this new information, forced-air warming devices continue to be used in hospitals around the country, potentially leading to a number of hospital infections and patient injuries, including:

Minor infections

Deep tissue infections

Blood infections (sepsis)

Amputations

Regardless of initial severity, these infections can lead to serious complications that may require additional medical treatment or surgery, and may even result in patient death.

How to Tell if a Forced-Air Warming Device Was Used in Your Surgery

You may not know if a forced-air warming device was used during your surgery. These devices are commonly used in a variety of surgical procedures, including:

Hip replacement surgeries

Knee replacement surgeries

Shoulder replacement surgeries

If you suffered an infection after a joint replacement surgery, contact us immediately. A forced-air warming device may have been used during your procedure without your knowledge. Our team of investigators will examine your medical records to determine whether your condition was the result of a defective medical device.

Don’t Wait to Get the Help You Need

If you or someone you love suffered a hospital infection after surgery, you must act quickly to get the compensation you deserve. Contact our law firm today, and we’ll get started on your case immediately. There’s no cost or obligation, and you won’t pay us anything unless you recover compensation.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with The Bone and Joint Journal or The New York Times.